Alex Final Wars 2: Dark Alex, Chapter 39 - Before The Storm
"So what did you guys get out of the stuff we pulled from that Chinese base? One that was apparently supposed to be impenetrable." Nick asked before muttering to himself. "Heh, they were no match for this sly fox."
"We went to hell and back to get that stuff," Judy said.
"Thing is… we don't know yet," Jack responded. "There was a lot of information on those maps and papers you guys pulled. It will take time for the eggheads to go through it all."
"I have to say I really respect the analysts," Skye noted. "I mean, how much stuff have they looked at from just Heroes alone?"
The four mammals were sitting in Jack and Skye's Aston Martin as they drove through the busy Zootopian streets. Nick and Judy were in the back seats while the two ZIA agents sat upfront. All around the car, mammals moved and went about their business as the city entered the evening. Most mammals were probably heading home as the sky began to dim. While others were getting ready for a night on the town.
"You guys over at Heroes have recovered a ton of intelligence throughout this war." Jack said, "Servers, documents, maps. Knowledge is power."
"Yeah, that is true," Judy responded. "I can't believe how much action we've seen. This is a lot more than a normal day at the ZPD."
"Hey, sometimes things are pretty action-packed at the ZPD," Nick said. "There's a lot of dangerous crooks and thieves out there. Though none of them as crafty and talented as this sly fox."
This got a chuckle out of Judy.
"And here we are!" Jack said.
The car pulled into a parking lot of a one-story building with Japanese architecture. The walls were made of white-colored stone with wooden support pillars, covered by a pagoda-style roof made of matte green tiles. Mounted on the front wall was a red and white light-up sign that said:
"Tanukchi, Japanese Grill."
"Well, we'll certainly be eating good tonight!" Nick said, the four mammals stepping out of the car.
"Isn't this place pretty high-end?" Skye asked. "How did you get a reservation?"
"Well… heh…" a slightly mischievous look crossed Judy's face. "I may have let it slip that we were brave ZPD officers, and you two were selfless ZIA agents."
"Clever bunny," Nick said.
"And… I may have also mentioned that we were war heroes."
"Well, at least you got us a nice dinner," Jack said before the group headed inside the restaurant.
Inside the building, the walls were made of wood and paper, resembling traditional Japanese walls. However, there were also support pillars made of marble-like, red-colored rock with messy streaks of white running through it. A short distance from the two glass doors was a desk made out of bamboo, behind which was a fish tank teeming with aquatic life. The entire restaurant was filled with the sounds of people chatting and the metal clang of cooking equipment being used.
"Reservation for Hopps," Judy said to the fox behind the desk, prompting the mammal to check her computer.
"Hopps…. Ah! Right, this way!" The fox said, grabbing four menus and leading the two couples into the dining area. There were 4 grills, 2 for smaller mammals, 2 for larger mammals, set up in the dining area, each surrounded by stained wooden chairs. Above each grill was a vent to the outside. On the walls of the room were paintings of trees and natural landscapes.
The waitress handed out menus as the group sat down at a grill for smaller mammals. "Would you like to order your drinks now?"
Nick got a soda while Jack went for an ice tea. Judy had carrot juice, and Skye got water. The fox waitress left to get their drinks and appetizers.
"You know, it kind of surprises me how quickly life has got back to normal here," Skye said. The fox looked around at the families and groups laughing and enjoying their meals. "You would never have thought that a short time ago, this city was under assault by the Chinese military."
"I know," Judy said. "It's almost like a distant memory to everyone. But I suppose they're just looking ahead towards a brighter future."
"And the future is bright," Jack said. "We're really pressing hard on the PLA now. But regarding what you said, there are plans to make a memorial to commemorate the Chinese attacks on the city. The full-scale assault, the airship strike, and the concert."
"Well, I hope that helps the citizens of Zootopia remember what happened. And that we must be vigilant against those who want to hurt us."
"Hmm… well, we should get some fried rice," Nick said, perusing over the menu.
"Heh, thinking with your stomach, I see." Judy chuckled.
"I agree," Jack responded. "let's get some fried rice."
The waitress returned with drinks, as well as salads and miso soups for everyone. She also took their orders for meals.
"A chef will be with you shortly."
The waitress left, and the group began to enjoy their appetizers.
"Wow, this is really good," Jack said, trying the salad.
"Hopps told me this place is highly rated," Nick said, sipping the soup. "You did a good job getting us this reservation."
"I agree." Skye said, "thank you, Judy."
Judy smiled "aww, guys are too sweet."
A few moments later, a tanuki wearing a traditional chef's uniform came over to the grill with a small cart of ingredients and tools.
"Hello! Welcome!" The chef said, going over the group's order. "Let's get started!"
The tanuki started up the grill and began to cook the various vegetables for the fried rice. Skye took out her phone and captured the exciting moment in a video while the chef performed tricks. He spun his spatula and tools around in his hand and juggled an egg for the rice.
The chef then set up an onion volcano, filled it with edible oils, and lit it on fire. A tower of flame shot out of the small volcano, eliciting gasps from the officers and agents watching the show.
"Dinner and a show," Skye said.
The tanuki chef finished the fried rice, taking a small portion of the rice on his spatula and launching it in the air towards Jack. The rabbit opened his mouth to catch it, but it just bounced off his nose onto the floor.
The chef tried again, & this time Jack caught the portion of rice in his mouth. All the while, the other mammals laughed and watched the spectacle.
The tanuki then launched a portion of rice at Nick, who managed to catch it in his mouth on the first try.
Judy laughed clapped a little as Nick looked smug that he got it first try.
"We should hang out more often," Jack said as the chef began to serve the fried rice.
"I agree. It's just that we've been busy lately." Nick chimed in. "But when the four of us hang out, it's always fun."
"Come on, Toothdee, you'll enjoy it!" Laval said. "Arcades are fun. Although in Chima the arcades are usually less tech-savvy… but… same principles apply."
"I don't know…." Toothdee said, looking over some maps and papers in her room. "The end of this war is in sight, and I want to focus on my work so we can make the final decisive push to end this conflict once and for all."
"Hey, we've got them on the backfoot." Eris said, "besides, we're on shore leave right now. It's not the time to work. It's time to rest and recuperate."
"Yeah, you can't just keep fighting constantly. Evening though I do think that would be fun, you'll get worn out." Laval noted.
"Oh, alright, fine." The Heroes commander said, getting up from her desk and grabbing her phone and wallet. "Let's go."
"Great!" Eris said. "Laval spotted a place just down the road, within walking distance."
"Well, lead the way, Laval."
The trio left the typhoon and headed out of the guarded compound where the airship landed. The landing zone was in the city, giving Heroes good access to any part of Zootopia they needed to reach in the event of an emergency.
However it was not right in the center of the city, instead situated near the airport. This was to avoid buildings acting as flying obstructions and to cut down on noise pollution.
"You guys really love exploring Zootopia, don't you? Getting out and seeing the sights." Toothdee said as they walked.
"Totally!" Eris said. "It's a gorgeous city. I can see why Nick and Judy love it here."
"Yeah, I love exploring, so it's great to get a whole new city to explore!"
After a few minutes of walking, the group arrived at a building with big glass windows and a bright blue sign that said "arcade" on the front.
The inside of the building was dark, lit mainly through light from gaming machines. The air was filled with the sounds of said machines. Various boops and chimes were used to attract customer's attention. The floor was covered in a dark blue carpet, and a tired-looking mountain lion sat at a desk near the door.
The trio walked over to the desk, and the mountain lion didn't flinch upon seeing an evolved eagle.
"Hi, can we each get a card with $30 on it, please?" Toothdee said, "that seems reasonable, right?"
"Works for me," Eris said.
Each member of the group took out the required money and placed it on the counter. The cashier nodded and quickly transferred the money to 3 plastic cards that could be used to purchase games from the machines.
"Thank you," Laval said, the group heading towards the machines.
"What are you going to play first?" Toothdee asked.
"Uh… hm, well, I've seen this before," Laval said, walking over to a skeeball machine. "Now Chima does have games like this."
"I'll play against you!" Eris said, standing in front of a second Skee-ball device next to Laval.
The couple slid their cards through readers on the machines, and balls were dispensed in return. As the two started rolling the hard plastic skeeballs down the length of the device, Toothdee went to examine some other games.
She spotted an arcade game with a large screen, and fake plastic guns hooked up to it. Across the top of the machine were the words "Terminator" along with a scary-looking robot head. Toothdee went over to the arcade machine and paid for a game before picking up one of the weapons. She could also keep her skills sharp while having fun.
The young warrior selected a level and began. Terminator robots appeared on screen and engaged. But toothdee fired the toy weapon at the screen, and the terminators in-game were struck down by gunfire.
As her character continued to move through the game world, gunning down robots, toothdee heard Laval and Eris behind her.
"Yes!" The eagle said. "I win! Don't worry, I know you let me win on purpose."
"I thought YOU were going to let ME win." Laval chuckled.
The pair came over to watch Toothdee, who continued to gun down terminators, even as her own player character took damage. Eventually, a game over screen appeared, and toothdee put the plastic toy gun back down on the machine.
"You know what's funny is most of the stuff here we can do for real," Laval said. "That motorcycle racing game over there? I can just hop on my speedor. That game you were playing where you shoot robots? You could just get a gun and charge into battle!"
"Heh, well, why don't you do that then?" Toothdee asked.
"Well, fighting can be fun. But it's nice just to do it… what's the word I'm looking for… Fictitiously! Without any worries, where you just have to get points."
"Alright, I can understand that. Now, what do you want to play next?" Toothdee said, turning towards the rows of game cabinets. "You guys were right. It is good to get out and relax once in a while."
Haida looked at a map on his phone and struggled to figure out where he was in relation to the roads and structures on the map.
"I'm telling you it's this way," Fabienne said, pointing down a roadway. "Trust me, I know this city."
"But it looks like it's this way on the map!" Haida said, pointing down a different street."
"It's not! Your just looking at it wrong!"
"Retsuko, what do you think?"
The red panda, who had been patiently watching the two argue, looked at Haida's phone. The hyena smirked, expecting his girlfriend to agree with him. Plus, he was pretty confident his examination of the map was correct.
"Hmmm…." Retsuko said, "I think Fabienne is right."
Haida's jaw dropped while Fabienne smirked.
"Alright then, this way."
The snow leopard started walking down the street, Haida and Retsuko in tow.
Haida looked a bit down that he was wrong, but Retsuko gave him a playful jab to cheer him up.
Eventually, the group arrived at a large stone building situated by the coast. The American flag was flying on a pole outside. There was a large wooden sign reading "Zootopia World War 2 Museum."
"Told you," Fabienne said.
The trio went inside, where a bunny attendant was waiting in a booth near the entrance.
"Hi! 3 please, general admission." Retsuko said.
The trio paid for their tickets and entered the museum, which was not very crowded. The rooms were filled with equipment, posters, flags, pictures, all from the Second World War.
Pictures of troopers in combat. Guns those soldiers would have used. Maps of the battle formations they would have been in.
Retsuko and Haida went over to a giant wall of black marble. Upon which were carved the names of soldiers from Zootopia who had distinguished themselves in combat during WW2. Above the wall was a black and white mural of US Soldiers of many different species.
Fabienne was busy looking at an exhibit about war correspondents during the Second World War. There was an old camera on display, articles published by war reporters, and photographs of correspondents. This sort of thing was right up her alley.
"It's amazing how much we've progressed," Fabienne said, looking at old photography equipment. She spotted an old camera that was a lot bigger than her phone and probably could only photograph in black and white.
The snow leopard moved on to a small exhibit that contained mannequins of different mammals in combat gear. There was a small video screen playing a video comparing the biological system of various mammals as soldiers.
"Humans make the best soldiers." Said a disembodied voice on the video, as the picture changed to show a human soldier on a long trek in the desert. "They have unmatched endurance and survival skills. Not to mention their skills in combat have been continuously refined and improved over millennia, in the many wars and battles fought by humans."
"Maybe that's why a human is the leader of Heroes," Fabienne asked herself.
"This does not mean other species are incapable of waging war. Many other types of mammals serve in specialist roles."
A picture of a Russian polar bear in arctic camouflage appeared on the screen as the announcer continued.
"Polar bears and other arctic mammals make good soldiers for sub-zero environments."
The screen changed again, showing a picture of a cheetah soldier.
"While cheetahs and Pronghorns make good couriers, depending on the distance being traveled."
The snow leopard found this fascinating. Every species was unique in some way.
The ZNN reporter moved to rejoin Haida and Retsuko. They were looking at an exhibit about imperial Japan and the war in the pacific.
"Wow, look at that," Retsuko said, examining a model of a US aircraft carrier.
Haida and Fabienne looked at a map of battle formations around an island, complete with pictures of soldiers.
One photo showed Japanese troops digging trenches around the island as defenses. Another picture showed US pilots getting into planes and preparing to launch from the deck of a carrier. A third picture showed US marines charging against stubborn and dug-in Japanese pillboxes on a hill, firing down at a beach.
"My God, it's so reminiscent of the current war," Fabienne noted, looking at another image of American and Japanese warships engaging each other as planes crisscrossed the sky.
"I know…" Retsuko said, "I mean, we're fighting in the pacific, with warships and planes. I guess history repeats itself."
"What I find amazing..." Haida said, "the US and Japan used to be such bitter enemies, and now they are great allies."
"Yep, it only goes to show you how things can change with time," Fabienne responded.
"Here we are, mammals from Japan, doing an important role in a US military organization," Retsuko said. "And there is no place I'd rather be."
The three mammals continued through the museum. Examining the past and how it could tell them about the present and future.
JayJay was in her cabin on the typhoon, putting away some clothes she had just washed. The wolf put a dress on a hanger, hanging it in the closet, before turning her attention to some stockings and a few shirts.
As the young hero finished putting her clothes away in a drawer, there was a knock at her door.
The wolf opened the door and smiled, seeing captain Boehm in front of her.
"Hey Jay, what are you doing?"
"Just putting away some clothes." The wolf said, quickly fixing her hair and making herself look presentable. "What brings you around?"
"Well… I was wondering if you would like to hang out?" The captain said, trying to speak confidentiality. "We could go somewhere. There's plenty of attractions around Zootopia. Or just stay here and watch a movie or something."
JayJay's tail started wagging.
"Oh! I'd love to take you out clubbing!" The wolf said.
"Clubbing? Eh… that's not exactly my thing…."
"Please!" JayJay said, giving Alex puppy dog eyes. "I'd love it if you came along!"
"Yes! Trust me, you'll have fun! Let me just get my things and get ready to go."
"Ok, I'll go get my wallet. Meet you back here."
Both mammals used the bathroom, got their personal effects, and met back up outside JayJay's room before leaving the typhoon.
"I'm really excited," JayJay confessed. "You, my favorite person in the world, going clubbing and dancing with me, which is my favorite thing to do!"
"I mean, I'm not exactly big on that sort of thing… but I'll bite the bullet if it means spending time with you."
The wolf wagged her tail in excitement. The pair then came upon Kion and Jasiri, who walked down the hallway. Each had an arm around the other.
"What are you two up to?" Alex asked.
"We're just going out," Kion said.
"Oh! So are we!" JayJay responded. "I'm taking him to a club."
The wolf gestured at the human.
"Heh, didn't think that would be your kind of thing, Alex." Kion teased. "You are usually a very reserved person who tends to keep to himself."
"Your correct." The captain responded, "But I just like spending time with Jay."
"Well, I like spending time with Jasiri." The lion kissed the hyena on the cheek, making her blush. This prompted JayJay to turn to her companion. Giving a look that almost saying "What? Where's my kiss?"
"If you two are going out, what if we come with you? We could all hang out." Jasiri said.
"I'm fine with that," Boehm responded. "Jay?"
The four left the typhoon and headed down the street, led by JayJay, who knew where all the excellent dance parties and nightclubs were.
"I am going to bring you out of your shell tonight." JayJay said to Alex, "you can't be so reserved all the time."
"I think you are the right person to do that." The human responded to the wolf. "You're so outgoing and social. I'm an introvert, your an extrovert."
"Opposites attract." Kion laughed.
After a few minutes of walking, the group reached a building with dozens of bright neon lights outside, shining in all colors.
"Hey! It's the party animal!" Said the bear bouncer, opening the door for the team to go inside.
More bright lights of all colors flashed above a dance floor made up of light-up squares, which also changed color frequently. Mammals packed the dance floor, moving and cheering as they enjoyed themselves.
A bar that glowed white from internal lights was stationed against one of the walls. Behind the bar were shelves of liquid backlit by blue light. Tables and chairs were set up around the main dance floor for mammals to chat and rest.
"Say what about loud noises?" Kion asked Alex. "I heard that introverts like things to be quiet."
"Yes, but Kion, I'm a soldier. I've heard the blasts of artillery strikes and the engines of rockets and jet planes. I can take some loud music."
"Do you guys want to get something to drink first?" Jay asked as the group drifted over to a table. "We need to stay hydrated if we're going to be dancing."
"What time is it?" Alex asked, "ah, I'll just have lemonade or something."
"Coke, please," Kion said. "No ice."
"Water is fine for me," Jasiri said.
"Alright! You guys have to pay me back, though. Kion, could you give me a paw? I can't carry all the drinks."
The wolf and lion left, heading to the bar.
"Say do we have any Glocks onboard the ship?" Jasiri asked.
"Yeah?" The captain said.
"I think I'm gonna try those as my pistols. See how they do in battle."
"Well, if you're going to use them, akimbo, we have plenty of attachments you can use. Sights, flashlights and lasers, muzzle breaks, and suppressors…. Heroes is well supplied."
"I can tell. I suppose all the money spent is worth it, though. We get the job done."
"Maybe you should get yourself another weapon if you find the pistols aren't cutting it. Like an SMG. Maybe an MP5 or UMP."
The human and hyena continued to discuss their weapons of warfare until Kion and JayJay returned with four glasses containing the drinks. The two giving Alex and Jasiri their beverages. JayJay had apparently ordered a beer, as her glass contained a foaming brown liquid.
"Jasiri and I were just talking about our combat gear," Alex said, taking a sip of his lemonade.
"Yeah, he thinks I should get an SMG for when the pistols don't cut it."
"I recently changed my armament as well." Kion said, "I quite like the LMG I got my paws on."
"Well, as I told Jasiri…" Alex said, "we have plenty of attachments you can put on."
"Oh sweet! I'll have to check those out."
"Well, while your running into battle with a sword and a big gun, my own equipment is a bit smaller," JayJay said. "Just a simple pistol and a machine pistol for when the going gets tough."
"Yeah, Kion, you are like the tank. With an LMG, a powerful sword, and your own strength to punch right through enemies." Captain Boehm noted. "Jay is more focused on her agility and speed."
"I've been thinking of getting a sword more like what you and Laval use. Chima style!" Kion said. "Also, JayJay, isn't your pistol an older design? 1911?"
"Yep! And not just any 1911. That very pistol was wielded by my ancestor, Jim Burdel, during WW1!"
"Wow, That should be in a museum."
"Hey, I like to think I'm doing right by my ancestor by carrying his weapon into battle. Though I don't know if he would like the paint scheme I've given it, he's not here to complain."
Suddenly the loud dubstep music slowed down, and all the lights on the dance floor turned a light blue as their movement speed slowed down.
"It's time for a slow dance!" The DJ said, "Maybe grab that special someone and bring them out onto the floor!"
Jasiri smirked at Kion and jumped up, gesturing for Kion to follow her, which he did. They headed out onto the dance floor, joining in the crowd of mammals.
Jasiri playfully pushed Kion, trying to figure out how exactly he should dance with his hyena. Fumbling with his paws and where to put them in a way that was not lewd.
The lion's lover just hugged him close, prompting Kion to wrap his arms around her and slowly turn and dance.
"Come on, Alex!" JayJay said, standing up, prompting the captain to do the same and follow her.
The two mammals reached the dance floor, surrounded by other mammals and couples, moving slowly to the music.
Under the blue light, the pair embraced, nuzzling against each other's fur and skin. Alex and JayJay closed their eyes, enjoying the moment with each other, along with the other couples on the dance floor, including Kion and Jasiri. But the human and wolf were just focusing on each other. Both of them were, to the other, the most important mammal in the world.
Moments like these were what they were fighting for. China was an autocratic nation, curtailing freedoms and liberties. But here, people could be free and enjoy themselves without fear of the government or military.
It was these moments of peace that made their battles worth it. Worth fighting for a million times over.
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